Nahum Spirn

The more we accept people as they are (including ourselves!), the freer they are to change. And the harder we try to get rid of emotions and thoughts, the stronger they become.

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Nahum Spirn's style

Why Nahum Spirn chose to be in the helping profession

From an early age, my sensitivity to people's challenges set me on a path to offer assistance and support; I would notice when people were going through difficult times, and I wanted to help. Fast forward to the present, and the aspiration to impact lives positively has remained strong. Along the way, however, a realization has emerged: my clients and I share common struggles, and I see myself in them. Realizing this has brought me to a place of greater humility, empathy, and understanding.

One of the most cherished compliments I have received is a testament to my mission: "You always make people feel better!" This acknowledgment reaffirms my purpose and inspires me to continue fostering an environment where people find solace, support, and ultimately, a path toward personal growth.

Nahum Spirn's approach

I have an eclectic approach to therapy; every client is unique and gets treated in a unique way. One client may benefit most from exploring how they think about things, another from trying new ways of doing things (CBT). One client’s greatest need may be to feel understood (person-centered); another client’s may be to understand themselves better (psychodynamic; IFS). And as an individual client’s concerns or preferences shift from session to session, the flavor and style of our approach will shift as well.

What every client receives at all times is an accepting, non-judgmental attitude and a sense of connection with a therapist who cares.

What you can expect from sessions with Nahum Spirn

You can expect understanding, sensitivity, empathy, validation, and support.

You can expect to feel that you have someone on your side and are not alone.

You can expect to feel better about yourself and more hopeful.

You can expect to gain insights into your inner and outer worlds.

You can expect to learn more effective ways of interacting with friends and family.

You can expect your therapist to have a special sensitivity to traumatic or hurtful life experiences (e.g., abuse or neglect), and to have tools to address the painful effects of such experiences (e.g., Sarno method).

You can expect me to do my best to build you up.

Nahum Spirn's experience working with the Jewish community

Throughout my entire professional journey, I have been immersed in serving the Jewish community in various capacities. My experience includes roles as a rabbi, chaplain, and writer/editor (for Artscroll and others). For decades, I have dedicated myself to Jewish education, engaging with individuals of all ages, from children to adults.

My work within the Jewish community has been diverse and inclusive, spanning the entire Orthodox spectrum, including Modern, "black hat," and Chassidic, in both the Ashkenazic and Sephardic worlds.

In essence, my life's work has been dedicated to nurturing, educating, and enriching the lives of individuals within the Jewish community. This has been a profound opportunity and honor, and I look forward to continuing my contributions to the community's growth and well-being.

Nahum Spirn's Book Recommendation Zone

• No Bad Parts - Richard Schwartz
• The Explosive Child - Ross Greene
• The Mindbody Prescription - John Sarno
• Control Theory in the Practice of Reality Therapy -William Glasser
• Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl

Approaches

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Attachment-based
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Existential
• Inner child work
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Motivational Interviewing
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Reality Therapy
• Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Concerns

• Abuse/Violence
• Addiction
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Bereavement & Grief
• Depression
• Dissociative disorders
• Drug/Substance Abuse
• Emotion regulation
• Life purpose and meaning
• Oppositional defiance disorder
• Panic attacks/panic disorder
• Parenting
• Relationships
• Religious Identity Issues
• Transitions & Change
• Trauma
• Trichotillomania

3 years in practice

Licences

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor by NYSED 2023. License number 014069

Degrees

• Master's in Mental Health Counseling by Touro University 2021
• Semicha by RIETS (Y.U.); Torah VoDa'as 1990; 1994

Certificates

• CASAC-T (addictions) by OASAS 2021
• CCTP (trauma) by Evergreen 2020
• Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy by ICEEFT (Sue Johnson) 2023
• CCATP (anxiety) by Evergreen 2020
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) by Albert Ellis Institute 2021

Trainings

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) by Frank Anderson; one-on-one workpy 2020; 2023
• Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) by Daniel Moran 2019
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TEAM-CBT for anxiety and depression) by David Burns 2021
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) by Elliott Connie 2020
• Compassionate Inquiry by Gabor Mate 2020

Average costs per session

$150 - $175

Payment Methods

• Sliding Scale
• Check
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay
• PayPal

Insurances

• Aetna
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• Cigna
• Optum
• Oscar
• Oxford
• United Healthcare